With the 2019-20 school year behind us, I want to thank everyone for your support of Liberty-Benton Schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. I know it is difficult to believe, but we had almost seven months of school that took place before our school buildings were directed to close because of the pandemic so I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of some accomplishments and milestones we celebrated this year.
First, I am immensely proud of the Class of 2020. The patience, flexibility and dedication that our seniors have demonstrated during this unprecedented time is beyond admirable. While the end of the year may not have been what they had hoped for, they faced it with resolve and had an incredible year. I want our seniors to know that “L-B” will always do whatever we can to support them in their journey ahead.
Year after year, our teachers and staff have done an outstanding job of cultivating skills in our students, creating opportunities for challenge, growth and success. This past school year they have done that and more, working tirelessly to make the unexpected pivot to remote learning, and to support their students throughout the process.
Despite setbacks from the pandemic, we have much to be proud of and grateful for this year.
Our district was recently named the fourth best all-around athletic program in the state, according to MaxPreps. Liberty-Benton High School was recognized as one of Newsweek’s Top 5,000 STEM High Schools for 2020. We also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the current Liberty-Benton High School building. In November, we were fortunate to receive continued financial support from the community through the successful passage of the income tax renewal levy.
These accomplishments are a direct result of the perseverance and collaboration of teachers, staff, students and families throughout the district. In ways great and small, each of you has made a difference.
Although we face uncertainty about the future, our district remains focused on improvement, leveraging resources, and boosting the success of our students. As always, we will do everything possible to support students and families moving forward. We are in this together!
With appreciation and sincere admiration,
Mark Kowalski
Superintendent